#BEYOUROWN MEETS ANNESIA ALLIE

Fashion stylist and creative consultant Annesia Allie is known for her refined chic creative eye and the iconic designs that she has created in collaboration with some of the world’s most esteemed designers including Ralph Lauren, Zac Posen, Tommy Hilfiger and many more. Her innate sense of style and industry knowledge along with her illustrious career is now taking her to the next level as a style innovator and positive fashion influencer.

Hey Annesia, can you tell us a little bit about you and your career background as a creative leader and visionary?

My career began as a design assistant at Ralph Lauren. Following my years at the iconic American fashion house, I embarked on a life-changing career path. Over the years I went on to work with many powerhouse designers and developed a reputation as a well-known fashion Designer, Stylist, Illustrator. I am now exploring a film and book documenting the ever-changing world of art.

Can you talk about the journey since we last spoke to you? 

Since then, I’ve built myself as a high-profile global freelance stylist and creative director. In this role, I get to conceptualise ideas, visions, a variety of styles and I oversee the production of shows, brand launch, and shoots. As an international fashion expert, I’ve worked with celebrity clients as well as with designers, fashion brands. its one of my passion. I enjoy helping both emerging and established designers with their creative vision. Whether the brand is online or brick-and-mortar, I love to help solidify their image in the marketplace. As a style influencer, I am excited to collaborate with other top fashion leaders to have a positive influence on the industry.

What new projects have you been working on?

I have always been interested in garments which have a timeless chic quality, I always keep this in mind when I design. I want clients to be almost lost in time in their own style. I’m working on a collection that leaves women feeling empowered whilst being conscious of the effects the industry has on the environment.

Your first fashion industry related job was working at Ralph Lauren in product development, what advice would you give to our audience who are looking to get their foot in the door with major fashion houses?

It’s important to have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, being highly personable and friendly and having the ability to gain the trust and loyalty of clients whilst improving yourself consistently as an artist.

Can you us what is the most seminal point in your career so far?

2012 my world shifted in a major way, I lost someone incredibly dear to me. No one tells you the hardest part of the death of a loved one is the physical rebirth you endure, understanding and navigating the person you become after. With a deeper look at the world and our contribution to it, I wanted to use this to shine a light on social issues. It’s then I started to see my inner strength. The overcoming happened naturally as I began to accept what cannot be changed and began to honor my OWN unique creative vision. I did not want to be around the vain aspects of the industry, I had no patience. I wanted to be my own voice of reason allowing others to feel fully empowered

Most rewarding moment in your personal life?

After hosting the Neiman Marcus Trend Presentation, the YWCA Charity Board of Directors were so moved by my creative journey, drive and desire to empower others through individual authenticity, they invited me to contribute to the 2018 Gala. They asked if I would be interested in leading creative workshops for teenagers in various private and public schools. I was most grateful that they saw the passion that burns so deep inside of me for a better world, more consciousness, more power of Divine Femme, more brave souls diving within their own style. I’m humbled that they said I have a “strong, fresh voice.”

Any challenging times you have had to overcome? When were they and how did you learn to overcome them? 

Everyone is trying to fit into someone else story. I think because I didn’t fit any specific type expressing my vision or perspective at times was challenging. I began to follow my true self, feeling fully empowered. I’ve previously noticed how so many women and young girls looked at many magazines in the past, and now with social media, they are left feeling immensely and utterly self-conscious more so than before.

Have you ever had to deal with any doubts of contention or lack of support from relatives or friends? If so how did you push through?

I’ve always been an out of the box thinker, unique vision. At times it was difficult to get the encouragement I needed to fit my experience and shape my vision for certain projects. Take time to look bigger, deeper I/o being so dependent on what others are doing. Attachment is the root of all suffering. Embrace the unknown, Create a new story, a new world, stop re-writing everyone else’s, this generation seems to think we are all historians.

Have you ever had a fashion mentor? If so how has this benefitted you?

I’ve spent most of my life without a good mentor, for various reasons. I found out early on that if you want to grow and learn you need to push yourself. You can be your own mentor, and in some ways, even if you’ve got someone pushing you, it’s a good idea to take that high-level control yourself. I’ve been a big fan of people call “learning”. It’s a philosophy of always pushing yourself to learn new things and expand your skill-set. I think the first step is making a commitment to enjoying your creativity. This means taking the initiative to read on topics that interest you, take classes, ask questions and take an active stake in your personal and professional growth.

Being your own doesn’t mean entirely going at things all alone. It’s important to connect with the right people who share similar vision, talents, skills, and interests. Take the time to get involved in your professional industry, to meet your mentors and get to know them. Chances are you’ll learn a lot.

What is the best piece of advice you have received to date?

In my first internship at Ralph Lauren whilst during a meeting I was told to always stay true to my own vision and ideas even if I feel too afraid to express them.

What would you tell your 18 year-old-self?

When your moment arrives and you have to be ready for it. You have to be focused on what you are hoping to achieve and be very dedicated and whatever you focus on at any given point be it your design ideas or your business give it 100%.

How do you create an evenly balanced work and personal life?

Every once in a while I just stop what I am doing and think about where I really want to be. I think about what I love to do and the passion I live for. I reflect on myself and dream about what the future holds. I think sometimes we get so caught up in the grind and in autopilot that we often lose sight not only of the place we want to be but the path we’re taking to get there.

Which other leading fashion designers do you also admire and why?

Sabyasachi Mukherji is one of my favourites at the moment.

What YouTube or online space channels are you watching currently for inspiration?

Not much. I design from my experiences, travels, culture, architect. I feel that I find beauty in every step of my own journey and I turn that into fashion, I wear it and carry it as my own masterpiece. I believe I am the canvas and my style is the creation.

What is a good article or book you have read recently? 

“The Untethered Soul” by Michael Singer

What does your Podcast playlist look like?

As I continue to explore my inner style I’ve been listening to a tonne of Oprah Soul Sunday and Paolo Coelho.

What does success look like in your eyes?

Success to me is not final; it is an ongoing failure that is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts. Success is what fits you and not everyone else.

What does #BEYOUROWN mean to you?

It’s times like these that we need to celebrate female strength and creativity and a strong platform to look to the kick-ass women who are paving the way for us all.

Can you tell us about your latest event that you are hosting?

Yes, Carpe Diem Träpək(ə)l Festival. Deriving from art, food, fashion, music and consciousness wellness “Not of this world”

It is a brand new event in August 2018 that will focus on—you guessed it—seizing the day! Our goal is to break down social paradigms over great food, wine, art, Fashion, consciousness, wellness.

Lastly, what is next for you  2018?

I plan to get out of my comfort zone and share more awareness and positive content, through documentaries, short films or a book. I think that one of the best ways to grow is to get uncomfortable.

I want to try something I am not sure if I will succeed at by pushing myself to take chances now and then. Some of the best learning I’ve ever had has been when I’ve been put in a situation that I didn’t really like. Some of the best lessons in my life are those I’ve learned from someone I’m trying to help. Teaching can expose gaps in your own knowledge that you might have never thought you had. It’s in my nature, I want to take the time to help others, to share with them and answer their questions because You help yourself in the process.

Image by  Rae Williams Photography

Twitter: @AnnesiaAllie

Instagram: @AnnesiaAllie @carpediemeastend

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Website: https://etherealstylelab.format.com